In his latest release from BJJ Fanatics, famed grappling and MMA Coach Neil Melanson opens up the playbook for his Ground Marshal Half Guard techniques. One of the positions he explores is the Octopus Guard. In simplest terms, the Octopus Guard shows itself in half guard when the opponent turns their back to you to try to pass half guard, or when you have been able to swim under their cross face arm and secure your own grip across their back, connected to the farside lat muscle.